lundi 2 juillet 2018

Keeping It Simple With Kosher Meals

By Brian Ellis


Judaism has many laws and practices and these extend to foodstuffs and prepared foods as well. Kosher meals are prepared with the strictest of rules and must abide by all the laws and practices contained in Oral Law as well as Written Law. There is a lot involved when preparing food of this nature and some of these are mentioned here.

For one, meat that is prepared must be Shechted by a Shochet. This means that these people are fully aware of the laws that are contained in this practice and besides this, are all completely practicing Jews in their own right. One has to study many years to become a Shochet or ritual slaughterer and besides this, one must abide by all the other laws of this Religion, Judaism.

A knife is used for this and it has to be of certain requirements. It is very sharp and it must be without any kinks in the cutting edge. The animal is soothed and calmed prior to the cutting which avoids it into jumping into a state of shock.

Kashrut or Kosher laws are extensive and these include finding their place in the home as well. The kitchen must be cleaned and surfaces demarcated for both meat and milk separately. Only certain foods are rendered kosher by law such as meat which must chew the cud and have cloven hooves.

There exists rabbinical law as to what constitutes meat and milk and how these two differing types of foods must be kept separated. For example, one would not witness a devout Jew eating a cheeseburger for example or making use of non kosher food outlets but must have a hechsher or stamp of approval that it is indeed a kosher outlet. This includes restaurants too where a mashgiach is employed to ensure that all the laws are obeyed.

Keeping meat and milk apart is essential and this even includes washing up of utensils. Two zincs are used for this, one for meat utensils and the other for milk. Dishes and cutlery are also kept separate so it is not uncommon to find two sets of everything in a Jewish home or kitchen.

These laws are about maintaining a sense of holiness. This is why meat and milk are kept separated as it is written in the Torah or Five Books of Moses. Foods that are not allowed to be consumed are rendered unholy and must not be eaten at all.

It is a vast subject and one that is studied throughout a lifetime. It is relatively easy to do as these laws are incorporated into the daily lives of many Jews living on the planet. It is wise however, if uncertain whether any foodstuffs are kosher or not, to check with the local Beth Din to ensure that one does not make a mistake.




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